Electronic device with force sensing key

摘要

An electronic device with a force sensing key ( 200 ) has a switch ( 280 ), a first force sensing region ( 290 ) for acquiring a first force value, a second force sensing region ( 290 ) for acquiring a second force value, and a processor for determining a selected function for the key ( 200 ) based upon the first force value and the second force value when the switch ( 280 ) is activated. The first force sensing pad ( 290 ) and the second force sensing pad ( 290 ) use a partially resistive material ( 250 ) that exhibits a force-to-voltage response value. By forming the switch ( 280 ) as a dome ( 225 ) switch, the force sensing key ( 200 ) provides crisp tactile feedback to a user. The force sensing key ( 200 ) can be configured for a variety of applications and user preferences by varying the architecture of the actuator ( 270 ).